Dear Jan and all,

I also feel my losses on Mother's Day and I have two children, one
biological and one adopted. I always felt sad for those who lost
children and didn't feel like 'mothers' anymore, for those dealing with
infertility, for those who had children taken away (I always thank God
for my Mark's biological mother each Mothers Day) and those who have
given children up for adoption. Even my single and childless friends
often have a hard time on Mothers Day.. When I was working as a Parish
Nurse I would write a prayer of the faithful for women without children:
those dealing with infertility, birth loss, miscarriage, loss of a child
etc.. I also wrote a letter to the editor of our Diocesan Newspaper
which read as follows.

" I approach Mother’s Day with bittersweet emotions. I am thankful for
my mother and for my two sons. As a woman who has experienced many
pregnancy losses, I especially feel the absence of our other children
this time of the year. Mother’s Day recognizes mothers, as it should.
I would like for your readers to remember women who may have a difficult
time on this holiday. Keep in your intentions those women who never had
children, also women who gave a child up for adoption. Pray for those
of us dealing with infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, still
births or the loss of a child. Remember also those who have had
abortions or those contemplating an abortion, that they may realize the
sacredness of all life.

I wish all women a peaceful and happy Mother’s Day."

I would hold a monthly bereavement support group at church and would
especially invite those who have experienced the 'loss of a child' to
the May meeting. Our community has a birth loss support group which
holds an annual memorial service at area churches. One of the local
hospitals also has an annual service.

Hope this helps. Blessings, Anne Ancona